Vasopressin (ADH)
Endogenous Neurohypophyseal Peptide HormoneapprovedAlso known as: Antidiuretic Hormone, ADH, Arginine Vasopressin, AVP, Pitressin, Vasostrict
A 9-amino acid endogenous peptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus that regulates water retention, blood pressure, and social behavior through V1 and V2 receptor activation.
Overview
Vasopressin (arginine vasopressin/AVP) is a nonapeptide hormone synthesized in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary. It plays critical roles in water homeostasis, blood pressure regulation, and social behavior. Medically, synthetic vasopressin is used to treat diabetes insipidus, vasodilatory shock, and esophageal variceal bleeding. Its V2 receptor activation in the kidneys promotes water reabsorption via aquaporin-2 channels, while V1a receptor activation causes vasoconstriction. Vasopressin also modulates social bonding, stress responses, and aggression through central V1a and V1b receptors. Desmopressin (DDAVP) is a synthetic analog with enhanced antidiuretic and minimal vasopressor activity.
Mechanism of Action
Vasopressin acts through three receptor subtypes: (1) V1a receptors on vascular smooth muscle cause vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure; (2) V2 receptors in renal collecting ducts trigger aquaporin-2 insertion, increasing water reabsorption; (3) V1b receptors in the anterior pituitary stimulate ACTH release; (4) Central V1a receptors modulate social behavior, pair bonding, and stress responses; (5) V2 receptor activation also releases von Willebrand factor and factor VIII from endothelial cells.
Molecular Formula
C46H65N15O12S2
Molecular Weight
1084.23 g/mol
Sequence
Cys-Tyr-Phe-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Arg-Gly-NH2 (cyclic disulfide 1-6)
Dosage Protocols
Dose Range
0.01 units/min – 0.04 units/min
Frequency
Continuous IV infusion
Route
intravenous
Cycle Length
Until hemodynamic stability
Used as adjunct to norepinephrine in septic shock. Do not exceed 0.04 units/min to avoid ischemic complications.
Source: Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines
🧮 Personalized Dosage Calculator
💰 Estimated Pricing
Typical Supply
20 units/mL, 1mL vial
Last Updated
2026-02
ADH/Antidiuretic hormone. Hospital use for vasodilatory shock, diabetes insipidus. Generic available. Desmopressin (DDAVP) for outpatient: $30-100/mo.
⚠️ Prices are estimates based on publicly available data and may vary significantly by vendor, location, and prescription status. This is not medical or financial advice.
Side Effects
| Effect | Severity |
|---|---|
| Hyponatremia | severe |
| Peripheral vasoconstriction | moderate |
| Nausea | mild |
| Headache | mild |
| Cardiac ischemia | severe |
Pros & Cons
Essential life-saving medication in vasodilatory shock and cardiac arrest
Effective treatment for central diabetes insipidus with immediate onset
Well-characterized pharmacology with decades of clinical use
Narrow therapeutic window with risk of ischemic complications at higher doses
Risk of hyponatremia requires careful electrolyte monitoring
Short half-life (10-20 minutes) requires continuous infusion for vasopressor use
Research Studies
🩸 Blood Work
No specific bloodwork requirements reported for this peptide. General health panels are always recommended before starting any peptide protocol.
Legal Status
FDA-approved as Vasostrict (vasodilatory shock) and Pitressin (diabetes insipidus). Prescription-only. Desmopressin (DDAVP) is available for diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis, and hemophilia A.
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